Rory Stewart

Rory Stewart combines political leadership, international diplomacy, and cultural exploration to offer rare insight into global governance and cross-cultural understanding. He bridges academic knowledge with practical experience, having worked in conflict zones, led humanitarian initiatives, and held senior political office. Rory served as Member of Parliament for Penrith and The Border from 2010 to 2019 and was an independent candidate for Mayor of London. During his time in government, he was Secretary of State for International Development, Minister of State for Africa, Minister for the Environment and Rural Affairs, and the youngest ever Chair of the Defence Select Committee. His earlier diplomatic career saw him posted to Indonesia, Montenegro, and Iraq, where he was Deputy-Governor of two provinces after the 2003 intervention. Beyond politics, he founded and led the Turquoise Mountain Foundation in Kabul, revitalising historic districts, establishing schools and clinics, and promoting Afghan crafts internationally. Rory is the author of five books, including three international bestsellers, has presented three BBC television documentaries, and written for leading journals including the New York Review of Books, the London Review of Books, and the Times Literary Supplement. He co-hosts The Rest is Politics, one of the UK’s leading podcast, with Alastair Campbell, where they analyse global events and political challenges. In January 2024, he became the inaugural Brady Johnson Professor of the Practice of Grand Strategy at Yale University’s Jackson School of Global Affairs. Rory helps organisations navigate complex geopolitical landscapes by drawing on his diverse experiences in conflict zones, diplomatic missions, and parliamentary politics. His presentations offer actionable strategies for cross-cultural leadership and insights into effective stakeholder engagement across diverse environments. His storytelling approach makes complex geopolitical concepts accessible and applicable. Book Rory Stewart for an uncommon blend of political insight, cultural intelligence, and practical wisdom that transforms how organisations approach global challenges.